Dot drop-out and dot displacement are common printing issues that can typically be resolved using standard cleaning procedures. However, if you’ve exhausted normal, medium, powerful, or manual cleaning methods with no improvement, this article outlines two advanced recovery methods to restore optimal print quality.

⚠️ When to Use These Methods

• If dot drop-out or dot displacement persists after all cleaning types have been performed
• If white ink or another color appears uneven even after shaking the ink pouches
• If ink inside the damper was renewed but the issue remains

Method 1: Full Ink Renewal

\Warning: This process uses a significant amount of ink and should be performed only when necessary.

1. On the printer's control panel, tap Maintenance > Ink Renewal.
   
2. Run a printing test to determine which group (A or B) has dot drop-out or displacement.
   
3. 
   
4. Select the affected group and tap Execute.
   
5. 
   
6. When prompted, remove the drain bottle and discard the discharged fluid safely.
   • Use a sealed container (metal or polyethylene)
   • Do not expose to flame or direct sunlight
   • Dispose of according to local regulations
7. Reattach the empty drain bottle and tap Finish to begin the ink renewal process.
8. After completion, perform another Nozzle Drop-out Test to verify improvement.

If the print quality is restored with no drop-out or displacement, the issue is resolved.

Method 2: Nozzle Masking (Restricting Print Heads)

If the ink renewal does not fully resolve the issue, you can mask malfunctioning nozzle groups. This reduces the impact of the defect but may slow down print speed.

1. Run a Nozzle Mask Test from the printer’s control panel:
   • Tap Cleaning > Printing Test
   • Select Nozzle Mask Test and tap Execute
     
   • Review test results and identify groups with severe drop-out (1, 2, or 3)
     
   • 
     
2. In VersaWorks software:
   • Go to Printer > Printer Settings
   • Select the correct printer and click Advanced
   • Select the desired nozzle group(s) based on your test results
     
   • 
     
   • Click OK to save your settings

A nozzle mask icon will now appear on your printer's display to confirm limited nozzle usage. Print speed may decrease, but print quality will be maintained.

💡 Additional Tips

• Inspect test patterns in a bright area and at different angles for better visibility
• Always wear gloves and handle ink discharge with caution
• Ensure firmware is updated for full nozzle masking compatibility